Holiday Brief: Monday, December 26, 2016

Today’s Midday Holiday Brief is brought to you by New Canadian Media – a not-for-profit online media organization that presents news and comment from an immigrant perspective for all Canadians.

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Trump’spick for ambassador to Israel has all sides on edge – No sign of foul play in Russian plane crash – Divided Alberta Conservatives set to roil again in 2017 – Blizzard closes highway between Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario – George Michael dead at 53

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Good day and Happy Boxing Day! For those of you out hunting for bargains, we wish you the best of luck. Those of you avoiding the malls, enjoy the peace and quiet.

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s controversial pick for America’s next ambassador to Israel has folks nervous. David Friedman, a bankruptcy lawyer and son of an Orthodox rabbi view, is an ardent supporter of Israeli settlements, an opponent of Palestinian statehood and an unrelenting defender of Israel’s government positions. Even some Israeli supporters fear could push Israel’s hawkish Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to be more extreme. The Associated Press explains.

Also on the Israel file: The Guardian is reporting Israel’s prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has apparently snubbed British Prime Minister Theresa May over the UK’s support of a highly critical UN resolutioncondemning Israeli settlement building.

A woman puts flowers in front of the Alexandrov Ensemble building in Moscow, Russia, Monday, Dec. 26, 2016 after a plane carrying 64 members of the Alexandrov Ensemble, crashed into the Black Sea minutes after taking off from the resort city of Sochi Sunday. (AP Photo/Ivan Sekretarev)

Russian officials say foul play is not suspected in a Christmas Day plane crash that killed all 84 passengers and 8 crew members – including 64 members of a world famous Russian choir. As The Associated Press reports, fragments of a plane were dragged out of the Black Sea on Monday as rescuers continue to search for the plane’s black box. Authorities suspect pilot error, low quality of fuel, external objects getting in the engine or an unspecified technical fault as possible causes. A national day of mourning is underway in Russia, with mourners laying flowers and lighting candles in remembrance

Alberta’s divided Conservative movement is ready to rumble again in 2017. Alberta’s Progressive Conservatives are embroiled in a heated debate over whether they should try to merge with the Wildrose party. The party is set to pick a new leader March 18. Meanwhile, Wildrose supporters are also divided over whether to join forces with the PCs or continue to forge ahead on their own. The Canadian Press’ Dean Bennett draws out the battle lines.

For those of you travelling: A powerful winter storm has shut down the Trans Canada highway from Saskatchewan to Winnipeg and Winnipeg to the Ontario border. Motorists are being urged to delay their travel plans because of poor visibility. Several highways from Winnipeg to the U.S. border are also closed. About 23 centimetres of snow has fallen on Winnipeg so far. While most of the snow has fallen, officials say high winds continue and a reducing visibility. CBC News has the latest.

We end today’s brief with sad news from the music world. Legendary singer George Michael. The former Wham! front-man passed away peacefully at his home Sunday. He was 53.